contortion

noun

con·​tor·​tion kən-ˈtȯr-shən How to pronounce contortion (audio)
plural -s
Synonyms of contortionnext
: the act or result of contorting or the state of being contorted : a twisting into abnormal or grotesque shape : a needlessly or unduly complicated action or posture
goes through tremendous contortions in an effort to link together her two separate plotsJames Yaffe
contortional
kən-ˈtȯr-shnəl
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Word History

Etymology

French & Latin; French contorsion, from Latin contortion-, contortio, from contortus + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Contortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contortion. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

contortion

noun
con·​tor·​tion
kən-ˈtȯr-shən
1
: a twisting or being twisted out of shape
2
: a contorted shape or thing

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